The dynamic properties of carbon-glass fibre sandwich-laminated composites: theoretical, experimental and economic considerations

Abstract

Mathematical predictions of the dynamic properties of carbon-glass fibre sandwich hybrid laminated composites from the properties of the constituent materials have been developed. The energy method was used for predicting the dynamic properties of hybrid beams, while a finite element analysis technique was used for predicting the mode shape, resonant frequency and damping of the hybrid plates. Good agreement was obtained between the theoretical and experimental results for both beams and plates. It has been shown that by adding a small amount of cfrp to the surface of a grp composite, sandwich hybrid composites can be produced which have a much higher flexural modulus than the original grp. Thus, hybrid composites can be used economically for structural components, which carry mainly flexural loads.